Buying An Engagement Ring

Image via WikipediaMany woman dream of an engagement ring their entire life, so take important things into consideration, like the style, materials used, etc. There are many factors to consider when buying an engagement ring. Some are obvious; some are more obscure.

Besides staying in your budget, remember these elements:

Durability

Know that as this will be worn everyday, so one needs to pick a ring that fits ones lifestyle. If one is very active, consider a channel set ring as it is less likely to get caught on items. Getting a high quality ring will last longer.

Qualities

If you are looking for a unusual engagement ring, decide what you want different about it. Do you want a different stone, unusual setting, more elaborate ring, or just a unique style? Think about why you want it different and whether that difference will fit in the bride-to-be's lifestyle. One reason gold and diamond engagement rings are so popular is because they are durable. If you decide on an opal engagement ring, know that much more care for the ring will be needed -- and the likelihood of it lasting a lifetime is small without really persistent habits. So choose a ring with lots of care.

Number of Diamonds

When comparing diamond engagement rings, always note if there are several diamonds. Diamonds are priced by size. If the ring has "ctw" rather than "ct", that means that multiple diamonds are being used to determine the carat weight. A 1 carat "ctw" will be much less expensive than a 1 carat solitaire "ct" diamond ring. Be certain that you are comparing alike rings for price.

Designer or Not

Sometimes people want designer rings - such as Harry Winston or Tiffany's. If you are on a tighter budget you can mimic these by getting a Tiffany-style engagement ring. Alternately, you can explore vintage-style or antique-style engagement rings for classic looks that will last.